Legendary Singer Etta James Dead at 73

Legendary singer Etta James’ battle with terminal leukemia and dementia has ended. According to James’ long-time friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, the 73-year-old has died.

“This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world,” De Leon told CNN. “She was a true original who could sing it all — her music defied category.

She adds: “I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always.”

James died at a hospital in Riverside, California just weeks after being released from a short stay due to breathing issues.

The “At Last” singer, who would have turned 74 on Wednesday, won six Grammys and was voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Over a span of 50 years, Etta James accumulated six Grammy Awards, a host of top 10 hits including “The Wallflower (Roll With Me, Henry),” “All I Could Do Was Cry,” “Trust In Me,” “Loving You More Everyday” and “Pushover,’ and host of other accolades.

In 2008, Beyonce portrayed James on the “Big Screen” in Cadillac Records, a film chronicling the rise of Chess Records and its recording artists.

James has inspired a number of artists over the years, including Beyonce and Christina Aguilera.

“The Dreamer,” her final album, was released in November.

She leaves behind husband of 41 years, Artis Mills, and sons, Donto and Sametto James.